The perfect man DOES exist… in fact there are FIVE types of them out there

The perfect man DOES exist … in fact there are FIVE of them out there!

Women aged 18-24 are suckers for six packs

25-34 value career driven men

35-44 are happy to date a man 5 years older

Women over 45 often date younger men

55+ women still value sexual compatibility and are pickiest daters

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UPDATED:

12:00 GMT, 14 December 2012

Many of us look back on our dating past and wonder how on earth we could ever have considered romancing men so incompatible.

But new research has found that this is perfectly normal, revealing that women’s tastes change as they get older and proving that there is indeed a ‘perfect man’ for every stage in a woman’s life.

From bright young things on the hunt for a hunk to ‘later daters’ looking for a cerebral soulmate, the research shows that a woman’s age will often dictate the different characteristics they look for in a partner.

Men of all ages: The new infographic reveals that there IS a perfect man for each stage of a woman's life

The research in match.com's annual LoveGeist report, which tracks the nation's changing attitudes towards dating and relationships, also disproves the notion that standards drop later in life, as women over 55 were shown to be most picky about who they date.

'When younger, looks predominate as we seek out someone with whom we want to share our genes, but these “surface attributes” become less important as we look for depth and new experiences later in life.'

So what makes a perfect man for each age in a woman’s life

Age 18-24First and foremost, young women want a man they can show off to their friends. 47 per cent said they would look for a relationship with someone their friends would approve ofThey are also suckers for a six-pack: 18-24s are most willing to date a man in better physical shape than themShared tastes in music, films and books are far more important at this age than later in life

Dr. D’Felice said: 'When we first start dating we carry over the desire to fit in and belong from our adolescence, and seek approval from our friends to validate our choices. We are building confidence at this age, and it’s important to us to know that we are choosing well.'

Age 25-34As they forge ahead in their careers, women at this age begin to take a more long-term view, but are still susceptible to a dashing man; physical attraction is more important than everSexual compatibility is more important to 25-34s than at any other stage in their livesAmbition is also important, with almost two thirds citing this as a key trait in a man

Dr. D’Felice said: 'As we grow in confidence and invest in our own careers, partners who are doing the same become very attractive to us.

'And while we’re young and sexy it is natural that we want our dates to reflect this aspect of ourselves as well.

'This mirroring of ambition and looks reflects these years when we are consolidating our persona; working out who we are and what we want.'

All about the pack: Six packs are a key criteria for women aged 18-24 so Kelly Brook's boyfriend Thom Evans is a great fit

Ambition: Ambition is very important for the 25-34s with almost two thirds citing this as a key trait in a man- would successful Richard Branson qualify

Age 35-44As they look to settle down, women aged 35-44 are most likely to have their head turned by an older man. 73 per cent would be willing to date someone more than five years their seniorSocial graces are also an absolute must-have at this stage in life. Less than 1 per cent of the females surveyed said they would date a man with bad manners

Dr. D’Felice: 'Priorities shift as we begin to think of commitment and family life.

'Men who are established, stable, successful and have life experience become very attractive to women at this age, offering the depth of resources (both material and emotional) required for successful partnership.'

Age 45-54Security is a key concern, with 95 per cent looking to find a partner with whom they felt secureFinding a man with a high income is as important to this age group as any other Women in this age range are less picky about who they date than any otherIn contrast to those just a few years younger, women aged 45-54 are most likely to consider
dating a younger man. 54 per cent would be willing to date someone more than five years younger

'With hormone levels changing they become more assertive, experimenting more and celebrating their wisdom.

'They are prepared to take risks and perhaps seek out new adventures; they are not afraid to search for passion, but still understand that feeling secure is a vital ingredient for happiness.'

Silver fox: Women between 35-44 are happy to date someone five years older, Brad Pitt fills this age gap perfectly

Cougar: Women over 45 are likely to opt for a younger man, just like Courtney Cox's character in Cougar Town

Age 55+In later life, women look for more cerebral delights. Intelligence and shared values are more important to the over-55s, as is sharing a similar sense of humourBut they don’t drop their standards as they get older. In fact, those aged 55 and over are pickier about who they romance than at any other ageThey also continue to value sexual compatibility: 45 per cent strongly agreed that this was an important factor when forming a relationship

Dr. D’Felice said: 'Subtle shifts in development create a well-rounded perspective on relationships, stressing the importance of friendship as well as sexual resonance.

'These women take the long-term view that commitment requires humour, intelligence and shared values to stand the test of time, meaning they are not prepared to settle for anything else. Having experienced different relationships, they know exactly what they want and, importantly, what they don’t.'